Net Jets Question

[OpsCheckGood]

OK, This one is for all the former airline guys at Net Jets. I'm a regional Capt. about to start year 9 with a brand new contract. Money is OK and QOL is pretty good. I've done the corporate thing in a former life and a friend of mine has been begging me to jump over to NetJets. I'm batting the idea around, but I need a little more info than just contract language. Pros and Cons. Was it worth it? Yada Yada Yada. Any help in this area would greatly be appreciated.

 

[imacdog]

Hi Ops, I made the jump from a regional to NetJets. Before the regional I flew passenger and freight 135 in piston aircraft and really enjoyed that type of flying. In my opinion, fractional flying combines the best of the airlines (schedule, contract, standardization, etc) with the best aspects of charter/corporate flying (good equipment, interesting destinations, wide variety of flying, etc). As far as NetJets in particular, we are treated well and have a good group to fly with. If you are interested in the fine details of what we do, you can download our contract from www.ibt1108.org . Overall I'm happy I made the decision to go to NetJets - it isn't for everyone but it is a good job.

 

[DO-82 driver]

Ops....

The app process is going to get alot longer for 2008, especially is the new contract proposal passes opening up the crew bases to 100 and giving the F/O a substantial pay increase.

I also believe thatthose apps from current frac pilots from other companies might get put to the top of the list for interviews. Many of them are already current and typed in the a/c NJA flies and they have a pretty good understanding of what is involved flying for a frac.

Good luck in your decision.

 

[EdAtTheAirport]

Hey Ops

You appear to be satisfied with your current job. Why would you give up nine years seniority? You're master of your domain right now, but you'll go back to the right seat for like 4 years. You'll lose your jumpseat privileges and your flight attendant. Is it worth it?

I can think of reasons why someone would want to switch, but I've never met anyone who admitted that they liked the Regionals. If you're happy and you know it...

 

[OpsCheckGood]

Thanks guys, Those are the things I've been considering. My buddy paints a very pretty picture over at the fracs, and there's no arguing that the money is better. But, I'm 3/4 of the way down the list where I am and life isn't that bad. There are things I don't like about my current place of employment, but I'm not quite sure if it's worth going to the right seat and the bottom of the list at a company with very little attrition. Sounds like a good deal over there with a little bit of fun and a lot of nice bennies. The future money would be nice though..........time to pull out the magic 8-ball I guess.

 

[Schicer]

I'd say apply, interview, get offered the job, then make up your mind. Sounds to me like the whole process takes a while and it may get even worse if the IBB goes through.

 

[skiandsurf]

Leaving regionals for NJs??? Sure, why not. Would you leave your current job for JetBlue? or Airtran?

If this IBB vote passes, you will start out at $59,000. I am guessing that is close to what your making now. Upgrades will be slow, but the FO pay might be livable.

How many of your FOs quit NJs to work at your commuter? I am guessing that answer is none.

NJs can be a career job. How many of your 5 year captains are making $100,000? Almost all of NJs are.

 

[I Hate Freight]

But for a regional f/o like myself, making $35k, it's a no-brainer. Sure I lose my jumpseat priveliges, but with an extra $25k+, I think I can buy a ticket for the one or two times a year I go somewhere.

 

[OpsCheckGood]

I'm not comparing companies. I understand the hands down winner there. In 5 years I'll upgrade and make 100 there. In 5 years I'll have 14 in and be making that here. NJ's money goes up quite substantially after that though. It's the other factors that I'm interested in. Do you guys miss long overnights by the pool with good crews? Does 7days on get to be normal and tolerable, because 4 seems like to long right now. The lack of friends and family being able to travel with your passes. It's these things I'm wondering if it's worth giving up. The money is black and white. It's better over there, but I'm not in the poor house now. Is there more to it than money?

 

[johnsonrod]

I'm not comparing companies. I understand the hands down winner there. In 5 years I'll upgrade and make 100 there. In 5 years I'll have 14 in and be making that here. NJ's money goes up quite substantially after that though. It's the other factors that I'm interested in. Do you guys miss long overnights by the pool with good crews? Does 7days on get to be normal and tolerable, because 4 seems like to long right now. The lack of friends and family being able to travel with your passes. It's these things I'm wondering if it's worth giving up. The money is black and white. It's better over there, but I'm not in the poor house now. Is there more to it than money?

Regional flying is waaay too boring for me. I have been at my regional for years too and I am looking for good pay (after a few years), route variety (I am so bored with my routes) and nice equipment (Citation X, G200 or a Sovereign would be very nice).

I'd say get on with Netjets now if you have the chance and beat the rush... If you were very secure with your current position you wouldn't be considering alternatives like Netjets. I would get the interview and evaluate from there...

 

[infoman]

Opscheck,

Not sure if I can answer the question but I will try.

Overnites average 12 hours but that helps the week pass.

No friends or family on the road but with the 7/7 you can plane your time off together. Also two weeks of vacation is two 21 day blocks off (5 yrs 3, 10 yrs 4).

There are some new scheduling options that are coming with the new IBB (Interest Base Barganing) proposal. This will give you a choice other than 7/7.

With the hotel points you get free rooms and rental cars. The remaing cost is usally airfare and food.

I don't work the point rewards system like some but if you put your mind to it I venture your travel benefits will not be missed.

We do not and I don't see the company allowing us to jump seat but never say never I guess.

Also remeber you may start in the Ultra.

Hope this helps.

Infoman.

P.S.The nice thing about the interview is that the company will pay for airline, hotel, and ground. Cheap way to look the place over.

 

[skiandsurf]

I'm not comparing companies. I understand the hands down winner there. In 5 years I'll upgrade and make 100 there. In 5 years I'll have 14 in and be making that here. NJ's money goes up quite substantially after that though. It's the other factors that I'm interested in. Do you guys miss long overnights by the pool with good crews? Does 7days on get to be normal and tolerable, because 4 seems like to long right now. The lack of friends and family being able to travel with your passes. It's these things I'm wondering if it's worth giving up. The money is black and white. It's better over there, but I'm not in the poor house now. Is there more to it than money?

Here is a better question...job security. What airline makes money in a bad economy? What regional airline is NOTdisposable by the major affiliate?

You are right about the typical short overnights, but I have had 24 hr Maui layovers (with a crew car), I have had 18 hrs in MIA (again, with a crew car). But there are plenty of 10 hour overnights as well. Remember, you are at work, not on vacation.

If you like flying into the same 20 or 30 airports that your airline serves, stay put. If you like going all over the place, NJs is great.

 

[netjetwife]

OCG, my husband was furloughed from AA so he can compare the different styles of flying. He prefers frac flying because of the greater interaction w/pax, the variety in places you go, more challenges making all the variables and changes come together. Additionally, many times you are paired with the same pilot for a whole tour which gives you the chance to get to know your fellow pilots better.

As a family we adjusted fairly easily to the 7&7 schedule. Having a week off gives us the opportunity to take mini-vacations when the kids are out of school. And he can get involved in projects that require a block of time off. For him, not having to commute was a big QOL factor. It was easier/less stressful for my husband and gave us more family time together. Hopefully the IBB proposal will pass and many other NJ pilots will also see their QOL improve with a huge jump in the number of bases to choose from. Going from 5 to 100 will create lots of interest so I don't think you'll be alone if you apply. I agree w/others who suggest that is something to think about.
Good luck in your decision!
NJW

 

[RP170]

Also remeber you may start in the Ultra.

Hey now! I thought the Beechjet was worse?

 

[Mach92]

Hey now! I thought the Beechjet was worse?

We have XM radio in the BEECH .........It's not that bad!

 

[flyer172r]

I have had 24 hr Maui layovers (with a crew car), I have had 18 hrs in MIA (again, with a crew car).

I was actually curious about how you got between whichever FBO you finish at and the hotel. Do you normally get cars or do you normally depend on the hotel shuttle?

 

[Hawker dude]

I was actually curious about how you got between whichever FBO you finish at and the hotel. Do you normally get cars or do you normally depend on the hotel shuttle?

what ever it takes. the company reimburses you.

 

[otto feather]

Something to consider

NJA

7 on/7 off = 26 work weeks a year minus 2 weeks vacation = 24 work weeks X ~ $260 per diem a work week = $6240 in total per diem.

NJA provides crew meals. While looking at salaries figure banking a majority of per diem. I figure 80%.

 

[DO-82 driver]

MInd you though, only 50% will be on the 7&7. 40% will be on the 18 day Reserve and 10% will be on the 15 Flex.

I believe the 15 day will be the senior schedule
The 18 will be the force schedule
The 7&7 will be prized by most. Yet only half will attain.

 

[fischman]

I was actually curious about how you got between whichever FBO you finish at and the hotel. Do you normally get cars or do you normally depend on the hotel shuttle?

Hotel van, FBO van, cab, sedan, crew car, rental car, whatever it takes. Your biggest responsibility is to make sure it is safe for you and your crew. The company reimburses you for the expense.